Cross-generational mentoring is defined as pairing individuals from different generations with the goal of mutual learning and growth. Through mentoring relationship where multiple generations share experiences, skills, and knowledge, employees are able to create a bridge. In the workplace today we have different generations and to be able to appreciate every unique individual and get the best out of them is a talent that every leader today needs to practice and nurture.
Mentoring can increase employee engagement and elicit better work out of employees. This is especially true with cross-generational mentoring, because the older generations are more engaged. Pairing them with younger generations will transfer their engagement, creating a better company and boosting productivity within the organisation. Like wise the younger generation comes with a lot of new tech and idea exposure that could be leveraged by the millennials.
Recently when I was spending time with my daughter and her cousin, I realised that their POV is something that can sometimes expand our horizons and way of looking at our environment. Their speed, spirit and spontaneity is what inspires me the most. Being open to learning at all times is one of the best ways to collaborate across different generations, which is also a way to Kaizen or consistent improvement in any process.
Do you have a cross mentor who belongs to gen z? Are you struggling to elicit the best ideas and thoughts from your team members ? How do you want to leverage the different age groups in your work environment?
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